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With an impressive repertoire of 15 albums, how do you approach the preparation for recording an album versus preparing for live concerts? Are the processes connected in any way?
For me, the processes are identical. Just a lot of hours at the piano.
Your latest album features iconic Puccini arias. How did you come up with this extraordinary idea? It’s such a unique and beautiful concept!
Thank you! I’d already arranged a few of my favourite arias for fun, then the label (Halidon) asked if I’d like to make an album for the anniversary. All credit goes to them for the idea.
How does your audience react when you perform well-known compositions compared to lesser known works?
I released an album of obscure Russian pieces a few years ago - entirely a passion project to share some compositions I love. Didn’t change the world, but a few people wrote to say they’d been inspired to learn some of the works which meant a lot.
This album was also released on vinyl. What do you think makes vinyl so special compared to modern listening technologies?
I don’t actually have a vinyl player. The album looks pretty though.
Your original compositions are celebrated and streamed by listeners worldwide. How do you design your concert programs? Do you blend your compositions with classical repertoire, or do you keep them separate?
I usually blend the two, but it’s not often I perform in all honesty.
What inspires you to compose, and what is your process for creating new works?
Sheer love of music and the colours, patterns, devices, stories you can tell etc. I write mostly at the piano.
What advice would you give to young musicians who are just starting to record albums? Do you have any practical tips?
This will sound obvious, but have the piano tuned. I record so much I didn’t schedule a tuner a few times and cry every time those albums pop up in my recommended.
Quick Questions
Vinyl or modern listening technologies?
I’ll have to get back to you on that one.
Which social media platform is your favorite for posting content?
I started on YouTube but they’re all good.
And which one do you enjoy the most as a user?
They all kind of do the same thing.
What’s your go-to meal on concert days?
Whatever’s going.
Who’s your favorite music content creator?
Eric Christian and Joshua Kyan Aalampour have cool vibes. There are many great creators these days.
Do you compose digitally or write by hand?
Digitally as it’s much much faster.
If you didn’t play piano, what instrument would you play?
Cello.
Recommend one classical piece for our readers to discover.
Scriabin Fantasie. It’s a masterpiece.
Your YouTube videos are visually stunning. How involved are you in planning and creating the videos/scripts for them?
Thanks! I do it all.
The Instagram videos with sheet music have become incredibly popular and well-loved. How did you come up with this perfect blend of sound and visuals?
I made lots of long form stuff in 16:9 for YouTube and kind of wondered how to rehash it into shorts. I like scores so dropped that into the formula.
How important do you think it is for musicians to have creative elements like visuals alongside their music to engage their audience? Do you see this as a part of a musician’s mission to promote quality music to the world?
Definitely not essential. Many of the greatest musicians seldom release music videos of any description. I just enjoy filming with beautiful backdrops that complement the aesthetic. With my videos, you’re really just watching a guy who bought a camera on gumtree some years ago and gradually figured out how to use it.
What are your upcoming plans? Where and when can audiences expect to see you perform live?
I’m taking a bit of a break right now to get back to composing.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Love you x
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